Switching from power to sail

[dergon]

Greetings All. This is my first post on your site. My first look around the forums looks like this place is a wonderful source of info. Good work.


Anyway. I am a 40 years old and lifelong powerboater. My current boat is a 26 ft cuddy cabin. I was just about to buy a significantly larger boat (35 -38) 2 years ago, so that I could spent multiple days overnight and partiallly live-aboard in some comfort...........

Then I met this girl ....... Two years together and this sailor has converted me. We did a "learn to sail" course in the Virgin Islands this winter and I am currently crew on a sunday team up here in Cleveland. I am having a ball.

So now I would like to buy my first sailboat. I don't want to screw it up too badly.


I have looked at a couple of Catalina 380s and 400s. There seem to be mostly Catalina and Beneteau on the market here.

I want to be able to live comfortably for three to maybe 5 or six days at a crack. Would like a vessel that can be safely piloted by myself (green) and my girlfirend (moderately experienced, but never had the helm). Price range is from 100k (ideal) to 200k ( that would hurt a bit).

I am looking for advice on what to buy, what *not* to buy, how to go about the process, and general information.

Thoughts?

[Allanbc]

Someone has to be the first to respond...

So, where are you located and where will you be sailing? Where do you want to sail to? These kinds of questions will help others give answers.

BTW, welcome aboard!

[cardiacpaul]

God love ya man, welcome to the other side
you're doing fine on a Cat 380 or 400 (others more experienced with those will chime in.)

[dergon]

ah yes ----

Where: I am on Lake Erie and will be docked in Cleveland, Ohio. The boat will be mostly daysailing nearshore, with regular weekend trips to the Lake Erie Islands (which lie 60 miles or so to the West). Perhaps once a season, a week long roundabout trip. At this point point in my career the longest trip I could imagine would be to Lake Huron past detroit (a couple hundred miles max with multiple stops along the way).

I do tend to spend most weekend nights onboard (regardless of whether I have left the dock or not that day) and one might curing the week perhaps.

[christyleigh]

Welcome to the Light........ Congratulations on your leaving the dark side As a Catalina fan myself (with former c28 and c320) I would add the 387 to your list as that's the only one of that size I have sailed and was suprised at the speed It sounds like that would suit your needs.

[Giulietta]

Welcome .....my Son....you have crossed the "man's" line....you are now a true man....




You will soon notice:

Stronger voice, Hairy chest, females love you, longer erctions and above all, a strong hate for gasoline fumes.

(By the way, I am a poor lonely man, my only friend is Sailingdog....do you have a photo of you?? so we can see who you are???? we love to see the new people's faces)

[christyleigh]

Originally Posted by Giulietta

(By the way, I am a poor lonely man, my only friend is Sailingdog....do you have a photo of you?? so we can see who you are???? we love to see the new people's faces)

Noooo......... Don't Do It He will photoshop you into something even a mother would hate

[yotphix]

OH MY DOG G, you have had me rolling on the floor this am! (Pacific Time)
thanks for making my day!

[TrueBlue]

dergon,
Consider Giu's Photoshopping as your rite of passage from the dark side.

[cardiacpaul]

the nicest difference between power & sail?
strolling up to the fuel dock and saying...

I'll take 40.00... that should fill it. (for the year)